Thurston County’s economy is built upon several factors – each interconnected, resulting in a region with an inclusive, dynamic, and resilient economy. One of the critical factors is workforce. While there are any number of elements inferred by this, it is incumbent upon any economic development strategy to work to ensure that our community’s residents have every opportunity to increase their individual capacity for meaningful employment. Additionally, as we work to ensure that employers have the ability and capacity to expand and maintain market competitiveness, they need to be assured of a regional workforce that is well-trained, and which they have every opportunity to expand skills and knowledge. Combined, this strategic effort is led regionally by the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn). PacMtn has also been a critical component and significant partner of the EDC since the mid-1990s.

PacMtn’s CEO, William Westmoreland, has a team of professionals and technical advisors who cultivate, implement, and infuse the region with resources from federal and state agencies. As William says, “PacMtn’s core function is to align talent to the employer demand.”

It is the strategic intent of PacMtn to ensure that resources are germane to the employers, assuring an economic environment that is sustainable and inclusive. Sector strategies are a key part of this effort, focusing on high-growth industries to create targeted workforce solutions that meet the specific needs of employers within these sectors. Quality jobs are another cornerstone, emphasizing positions that provide good wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Through these strategies, PacMtn aims to enhance economic mobility for residents, ensuring they can access and progress within meaningful career pathways.